5G Traffic Charging with Delayed Reporting at Rate Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the 5G network architecture with CU separation, the dramatic increase in usage amount information and signaling load of the session management function network element due to rate switching events during traffic charging leads to increased signaling load.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a traffic charging method where the user plane function network element forwards packets until a reporting threshold is reached and transmits usage amount information with delayed reporting, and the session management function network element generates a call ticket based on this information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If rate switching event triggers immediate usage amount reporting, then charging accuracy is improved, but signaling load on session management function network element increases dramatically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic reporting based on usage amount thresholds rather than event-driven immediate reporting. The user plane function network element reports usage amount information to the session management function network element when the usage amount reaches predetermined thresholds, converting the continuous event-driven reporting into periodic threshold-based reporting. This reduces signaling frequency while maintaining charging accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The session management function network element pre-configures usage amount reporting thresholds and rules before rate switching events occur. By establishing these reporting parameters in advance, the system avoids the need for real-time decision-making during rate switching, reducing signaling overhead while ensuring accurate charging tracking.
2Measurement precision
If usage amount information is reported frequently, then charging accuracy is improved, but information processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the reporting parameter from event-triggered (rate switching) to threshold-triggered (usage amount levels). By transforming the reporting trigger condition from time/event-based to value-based, the system reduces the frequency of reporting events while maintaining adequate tracking accuracy through strategically set thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements selective reporting only when usage amount thresholds are reached, rather than reporting every rate switching event. This partial reporting approach provides sufficient charging accuracy for most scenarios while significantly reducing the quantity of information that needs to be processed and transmitted.
Data Source
AI summary
A traffic charging method, a network device and a storage medium are disclosed. The method may include: establishing a session with a session management function network element, and receiving a usage amount reporting rule transmitted by the session management function network element, the usage amount reporting rule comprising a first reporting mode field and a reporting threshold, the first reporting mode field comprising delayed reporting; and in response to a rate switching event occurring when the user plane function network element forwards a packet, continuously forwarding the packet until the reporting threshold is reached, and transmitting usage amount information to the session management function network element, so that the session management function network element transmits a call ticket to a charging function network element according to the usage amount information.